Paper folding machine



N0. 6|2,245. Patented Oct. ll, I898. H. K. KING.

PAPER FDLDING MACHINE.

(Application filed Sept. 24, 1895.)

8 SheetsSheet I.

(No Model.)

Inventor.

W itnes ses.

Attorney.

(No Model.)

W itnesses.

H. K. KING.

PAPER FOLDING MACHINE.

(Application filed Sept. 24, 1895.)

Patented Oct. II, 1898.

8 Shaets-Shaet 2.

%& 3/ 24 m: uonms PErcRs ca. Pr-uo'mm'nu.v wmmuumn, a. c.

Attorney.

No. ("2,245. Patented Oct. ll, I898. H. K. KING. PAPER FOLDING MACHINE.

(A lieation' filed Sept. M, 1895.)

8 Sheets-Sheet 3.

(No Model.)

I nventor.

Witnesses.

Attorney.

"m: Norms PCYERS co. PNOTO-LITHQ, WASHVNWDN. D. 11

N0. 6I2,245. Patented 061. ll, I898. H. K. KING.

PAPER FOLDING MACHINE.

[Appligation filed Sept. 24, 1895.)

8 Sheets-Sheet 4.

{No Modei.)

Witnesses.

m: uunms Pznzns 0d, Pumuwa. \msmucrroa n. c.

N0. 6l2,245. Patented Oct. ll, I898.

H. K. KING.

PAPER FOLDING MACHINE.

(Application filed Sept. 24, 1895.)

(No Model.) 8 Sheets-$heet 5.

Inventor.

QWM (:3.

m: "cams prr zns ca, PNmo-umo. WASNINGTON, u. c.

N0. 6I2,245. Patented Oct. II, I898. H. K. KING.

PAPER FOLDING MACHINE.

(Application filed Sept. 24, 1895.)

(No Model.) 8 Sheets-Sheet 6.

Witnesses. Inventor. A 129 %m.m1.z. 0% &-/g 1 154T m: NORRIS vzrcns co. PHOTO-LITHO. wamumy. o. c.

No. 6l2,245.

Patented Oct. II, I898. H. K. KING.

PAPER FOLDING MACHINE.

(Application filed Sept. 24, 1895.)

8 Sheets8heet 7.

(No Model.)

Inventor.

.7 5 Uq fi ttorney.

W itnesses.

"m: uoams vrrzns cu. PHOTO-LITHQ" msmuomu. n. c

No. 612,245. Patented Oct. ll, I898. H. K. KING.

PAPER FOLDING MACHINE.

(Application filed Sept. 24, 1895.)

(No Model.) 8. Sheets-Sheet 8.

\Nitnesses. Inventor.

m: mums PEIERs co. PNOTO-LITHO., wAsnmarom o. c.

STATES IIOIVARD K. KING, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO THE CHAMBERS BROTHERS COMPANY, OF SAME PLACE.

PAPER-FOLDING MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part Of Letters Patent No. 612,245, dated October 11, 1898.

Application filed September 24, 1895. Serial NO- 563,601. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, HOWARD K. KING, a citizen of the United States, residing in the city and county of Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Paper-Folding Machines, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings.

This invention relates to certain improvements in paper-folding machines, having reference more especially to the class of machines in which the several folds are imparted to the sheet by means of coacting blades, roll- I 5 ers, and carrying-tapes.

The improvements reside, first, in the register-point devices which receive the printed sheets and maintain them in accurate position in respect to the folding mechanism;

secondly, in the guide-bars beneath which the sheets are carried by the tapes; thirdly, in the construction and arrangement of the end stops and in their supporting and operatin g parts fourthly, in adjustable side stops and in their supporting and operating parts;

fifthly, in an oscillatory adjusting device constructed and arranged to act upon the folded edge of the sheet to bring it into register with the succeeding folding-rollers; sixthly, in a 0 presser device which acts upon and effects the proper disposition of the sheet before its introduction to the next foldingrollers; seventhly, in a guide and transfer mechanism for directing the folded sheets from the 5 fourth or final pair of folding-rollers to the packing-trough; eighthly, in the construction and arrangement of the said packingtrough and in its supporting and operating parts; ninthly, in a certain guide device for directing the sheets from the third or intermediate rollers to the packing-trough, whereby the machine may be changed from a thirtytwo to a sixteen page folder, (as in this instance,) and, finally, in various novel fea- 5 tures of construction, combination, and arrangement of parts, all of which will be hereinafter particularly described and claimed.

In the annexed drawings, Figure 1 is a plan of a folding-machine embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal vertical secanism, and adjuncts.

tion as on the line a a of Fig. 1. Fig. 2 is a sectional detail of the intermediate sheetguide device as in operative position in respect to the third folding-rollers. Fig. 3 is a plan of stop and adjusting devices for determining the position of the sheet in respect to the third and fourth folding-rollers. Figs.

4 and 5 are sectional details as on the lines o I) and c 0, respectively, of Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is a detail in end View of the adjusting device which sets the sheet in respect to the final folding-rollers. Fig. 7 is a partialside elevation of Fig. 3. Fig. 8 is a detail in elevation of the adjusting device which sets the sheet in register with the third pair of folding-rollers. Fig. 9 is a sectional detail of one of the adjustable guide-bars, the end stop, tape and adjuncts. Fig. 10 is a detail in plan of the independently-movable nut device for adjusting the end of the transverse stop bar 39. Fig. ll is a section as on the line d d of Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a plan of the register-pin devices and their supporting and operating parts. Fig. 13 is a near end View of Fig. 12, the part of the main frame to which it is attached being shown in sec tion. Figs. 14 and 15 are sections as on the lines 6 e and f f, respectively, of Fig. 12. Fig. 16 is a plan, partially in section, of the transfer and guide mechanismfor directing the folded sheet from the final folding-rollers to the underlying packing-trough. Fig. 17

is a sectional detail showing the transfer-box of said mechanism as swung around and about to delivera sheet to the packing-trough. Fig. 8 5 18 is an elevation of the receiving end of the packing-trough, the transfer and guide mech- Fig. 19 is a sectional detail showing the means for keying the plunger operating and supporting arms to the ver- 0 tical rock shaft 133. Fig. 20 is a section through the end of the plunger as on the line g g of Fig. 18. Fig. 21 is a transverse section of the packing-trough and supporting parts as on the line it h of Fig. 2. Fig. 22 is asimilar section of the trough as on the line 2' 2' of Fig. 2. Fig. 23 is a section of a side of the packing-trough, showing one of the springcontrolled catches therein as on the line j j of Fig. 18. Fig. 2a is a vertical section of one of the tape-pulley stands, and Fig. 25 is a transverse section thereof as on the line 7i; 7c of Fig. 24.

The numeral 1 designates the table upon which are banked the sheets of paper to be introduced to the machine, 2 the first pairof folding-rollers, and 3 the vibratory foldingblade which impinges upon the sheet and tucks the first fold-line thereof into the bite of the rollers in the usual manner.

4 5 designate the register-pins to which are applied the register-pin holes in the printed sheet to be folded, such holes being formed in the sheet during the printing operation. The pins and holes are so relatively disposed that theindividual sheets when applied to the pins are set and maintained in accurate position in respect to the rollers 2 preparatory to the descent of the folding-blade. Heretofore these pins have been constructed and arranged to receive sheets with holes of nearly uniform distance apart, provision being made for the minute adjustment of the pins to co mpensate for the sometimes slight variations in the location of the pin-holes. No provision was had, however, for the adjustment of the pins to receive sheets with holes greatly Varying in distance from each other. Vith the view, therefore, of providing for such latter adjustment simply and efficiently I have devised a novel construction which I shall hereinafter specifically describe, referring generally to usual and necessary parts that supportand cooperate with the register devices.

6 is a transverse bar supported upon the sides of the main frame in advance of the inner end of the feed-board. Its ends are secured to the frame by means of screw-andslot connections 7 to permit of the lengthwise adjustment of the bar, such adjustment being effected by means of a set-screw S, which is supported in the side of the frame and engaged with a tapped lug 9 near the adjacent end of the bar. Fitted to a guideway 10 in this part of the bar is a longitudinal bar 11, from which extend transversely of the machine two arms 12, one of which is provided with an extension 13, that rests upon the adjacent side of the main frame. The forward end of the bar 11 is provided with a depend ing lug 11, in which is mounted a longitudinally-disposed set-screw 14, that works in the lug 9, to the end that the frame, comprising the arms 12 and bar 11, may by means of the screw be adjusted longitudinally of the machine.

The inner ends of the arms 12 are provided with lateral extensions 15, to which are fitted the adjustable supports 16 17 for the register-pins 4 5, respectively. The support for the left-hand register-pin 4t'. 6., the pin adjacent to the feed-boardcomprises a bar 18, with upturned lugs in which is pivotally supported transversely of the machine the pinsupporting stem 19. Projecting laterally from the stem is a bent stud 20, upon which presses the free end of a flat spring 21, the

other end of which is secured to the bar. The action of the spring is to maintain the register-pin normally perpendicular, yet permit it to be turned over temporarily by the strain or pull of the sheet when the latter is introduced to the foldingrollers. The bar is fitted to a transverse guideway 22 in a block or slide 23, whereby the pin-support may be adjusted longitudinally of the first folding-rollers, so as to set the register-pin relatively to the other or right-hand register-pin, such adjustment being effected by means of a setscrew 24, supported in a depending lug 25 on the bar and fitted to the block or slide. This slide-piece in its turn is superposed on a slide 26 and fitted to a guideway therein, so as to be adjustable longitudinally of the machine, the adjustment being minutely secured by means of a set-screw 27, which is supported in an upturned lug on the slide 26 and fitted to the piece 23. The slide 26 in its turn is fitted to a longitudinal guideway in the end of the supporting-bar and is provided with a depending screw shank 28, that extends through a slot 29 in the bar, said shank having thereon a set-screw 30, that takes against the under side of the bar. It willbe seen that by loosening the nut the slide and its connections may be bodily adjusted toward and from the folding-rollers, so as to effect quickly an approximate adjustment of the pin to the distance the pin-hole is from the line of the first fold, and then by screwing up the nut the parts will be held in the position of adjustment. This being done, the minute or final adjustment of the registerpin may be secured by properly manipulating the screw 27. The right-hand registerpin 5 is arranged on a spring-controlled stem 19 mounted in a support 17 similarly to the pin above described. This support is adjustably fitted to a longitudinally slotted guideway in the inner portion of the supporting-bar, being provided with a screw 28, which extends through the longitudinal slot 29 and carries a nut by means of which the support may be clamped in its positions of adjustment. By'this arrangement a quick coarse adjustment of the right-hand registerpin in respect to the other pin, or to the distance the pin-hole is from the line of the first fold in the sheet, may be had preparatory to the described fine adjustment of the latter pin.

After the register-pins have been coarsely and finely adjusted in relation to the two pinholes in the sheet, then the two pins are finally and accurately adjusted sidewise simultaneously by the screw 1% without changing their relative position or distance apart, such latter adjustment being effected to bring the line of the first fold in the sheet into proper position over the bite of the first folding-rollers and below the first folding-blade.

Should the line of the first fold be out of parallelism with the first folding-rollers, the defect is corrected by turning the screw 24 to effect the adjustment of the pin i only. That the sheet may be set in the proper sidewise position relatively to the second fold the screw 8 is turned so as to move the two pins sidewise without disturbing any of the other adjustments.

31 designates the tapes which receive the sheet folded between the rollers 2 and carry it into the machine until its forward folded edge abuts against stops 32, which determine the position of the once-folded sheet in relation to the second and third pairs of foldingrollers, such sheet being thereupon tucked into the bite of the second pair of rollers 33 by means of the second folding-blade 34c in the usual way. The sheet in its inward traverse on the tapes passes under the longitudinal guide-bars 35, as ordinarily. Heretofore these bars were fixed, and in consequence they would sometimes lie adjacent to the edge or edges of the traveling sheet, which, coming in contact with the bars, would be shifted out of accurate central register with the second folding-rollers. To overcome this objection, Iprovide for the lateral adjustment of the bars as follows: 36 indicates a trans verse rod fixed to the main frame immediately in rear of the first folding-rollers. To this rod are fitted split heads or clips 87, corresponding in number with the bars 35. The horizontally-(iivided portions of these heads are perforated vertically for the reception of a screw-pin 38, the lower or threaded end of which is screwed into the forward end of the proximatebar 35. hen the pins are screwed tightly, the heads are clamped firmly on the rod, and the bars are thus fixed in position; but when the pins are unscrewed the heads, being loose, may be adjusted lengthwise of the transverse rod, so as to set the forward ends of the bars in any predetermined position. The rearward ends of the bars extend freely through depending tailpieces on the end stops 32, the latter being adjustably fitted to a transverse bar 39, which has in turn provisions for its adjustment longitudinally of the machine, as will hereinafter appear.. The stops are provided with jaws 40, that snugly embrace the bar 39, the upper jaw being provided with a suitably-disposed tapped lug 41, to which is fitted a set-screw 42, that takes against the opposed corner of the bar. Hence by properly turning the screw the stop may be released to permit the lateral adjustment of the stop with the engaged end of the bar, and it may then be fixed in the desired position of adjustment. By this means the stop and bar are adjusted simultaneously and their positions relatively to each other are unaffected. The additional end stops on the bar are similar to those just described.

The ends of the bar 39 are secured to nuts 43 43, respectively, which nuts are fitted to rearwardly-extendi ng screw-threaded rods l arranged near the respective sides of the machine. The rear ends of the screw-rods are rotatably supported in brackets 45 on the main frame, to the end that when said screws are simultaneously turned the bar, with its stops, is bodily adjusted longitudinally of the machine, as above mentioned, so as to set the stops at predetermined positions in respect to the third folding-rollers 66 to meet the requirements of different-sized sheets. On the outer ends of the respective screw-rods are bevel-gears 4L6, which coact with corresponding gears 47 on a suitably-arranged shaft 48. This shaft is provided on one end with a handwheel 49, by the act of turning which the screw-rods are operated to effect the adjustment of the bar and stops, as above stated.

In order that the nut 43 may be manipulated independently of the other nut for the purpose of setting the bar perfectly square, (or out of square should the printing on the paper be out of square and require corresponding folding to bring it in register,) I make said nut 43 in the form of afianged or spoolshaped head, which is rotatably held in a box 50 on the end of the bar 39, whereby said nut may be turned so as to move the adjacent end of the bar in or out without disturbing the other nut, thus bringing the bar into the desired position. Nut 43 is held from rotating (when the two screws are turned) by means of a catch, which in this instance comprises a bow-shaped spring 51, one end of which is secured to the box, while the other end is provided with a stud 52, that engages a notch or recess 53 in one of the flanges of the nut.

54 designates the stands or brackets, in which are supported the tape -pulleys 55, around which pass the first carryingtapes 31. These stands (as also the corresponding parts for the succeeding tapes) are so constructed and arranged that they may be adjusted longitudinally and laterally for the purpose of securing the requisite tension and transverse adjustment of the tapes, respectivelythat is to say, the bar 56 of the main frame, on which the pulley-stands are supported, is provided with a longitudinal undercut recess 57 therein, to which are fitted at intervals apart shoulders or spuds 58 on heads 59, whose upper surfaces are channeled longitudinally in respect to the tapes. Fitted to the channeled portion of each of the heads is the horizontal limb 60 of a tape-pulley stand, such limb being provided with a longitudinal slot 61 therein, through which extends a vertical screwshank (32, the head (53 thereof being fitted to the undercut portion of the recess. On the outer end of the shank is a nut 64:, which may be screwed down upon the limb 60, so as to clamp the stand rigidly in place. It will be By this construction when the parts are thus clamped there is no liability of their lateral displacement.

lVhen the sheet has been introduced to the second pair of folding-rollers 33 by the co acting blade 34, the twice-folded sheet is carried by the tapes to a position above the third pair of folding-rollers 66 preparatory to its introduction to the latter by the superposed folding-blade 67. The position of the sheet in respect to the third and fourth folding-rollers is determined by adjustable side stops 68, against which it abuts. The stops are similar in construction to the end or first stops above described, and they are likewise attached to an adjustable bar. This bar is marked 69. It extends longitudinally of the machine, and it is preferably, though not essentially, constructed in two parts, connected by means of a yoke "2. The yoke is pivoted at 73 to a horizontal arm '74 on a transversely-ad j ustable rod 75, fitted to and guided in a suitably-disposed bracket 7 6 on the main frame. On the free end of the arm 74: is a setscrew 77,which engages the opposed edge of the bar about midway of its length, so that by properly turning the screw the pivoted bar may be nicely adjusted to set it at right angles to the third folding-rollers or to throw it out of square, according to the requirements of the print, as before described in reference to the first stops. Encircling the setscrew is a spiral spring 7 S,which bearing against the bar and the arm takes up all lost motion and keeps the screw in its positions of adjustment. Other means for this purpose may be readily substituted for the spring.

The adjustment of the bar toward and from the fourth folding-rollers is effected by means of a screw 79,which is mounted on the outer end of the rod '75 and ext-ended through a threaded lug on the bracket 7 6. The outer end of the screw is provided with a handwheel, by the act of turning which the rod and perforce the bar 69 are bodily adjusted as desired.

In order that the sheet shall be brought into register with the third pair of folding-rollers preparatory to its introduction thereto, I have provided an oscillatory adjusting device, which is constructed and arranged to act upon the folded edge of the sheet when the sheet impinges against the lateral or second stops 68 above described. This device is shown most clearly in Figs. 3, 4, 7, and S of the drawings, to which reference will now be had. Extending laterally in opposite directions from the respective sides of the nut 43 on the screw-rod at are two arms 80, provided with lugs, in which is journaled a rockshaft 81. This shaft is disposed parallel to the axes of the third folding-rollers, and it is provided on its under side with a longitudinal feather S2 for a purpose directly explained. Fitted to the bar 69 directly below the rockshaft is a longitudinal slide-bracket 83,which is provided with an upwardly-projectingperforated car 81, through which said shaft extends. Pivoted to the bracket by means of a depending pin St is an inwardly and downwardly extending vibratory finger 85, the lower or free end of which is expanded, as at 86. This expanded end is so arranged that during the vibration of the finger such end will impinge against the first folded edge of the sheet (when the sheet engages the side or second stops) and move the same slightly forward in a manner to correct any possible disarrangement of the sheet, and thus insure its accurate disposition in respect to the underlying third folding-rollers. Encircling the pivot-pin S4 is a torsional spring 87, one end of which is secured to a boss on the bracket 83 and the other end to a head on the pivotpin, the tendency of the spring being to proj eat the end of the finger inward into the path of the sheet. On the finger, near its pivotal point,is a vertical stud b8,which takes against the rib or feather 82 on the rock-shaft 81, to the end that when the shaft is turned against the pin the said finger will be retracted against the action of the spring and that when the shaft is re-turned the finger will resume its normal position.

Fixed to the shaft 81, near its outer end, is a toe 89, against the under edge of which acts a toe 90 on an adjacent rock-shaft 91, which extends longitudinally in respect to the machine. This shaft has its hearings in a crossbar of the main frame and in the arm 80. Near its rear end is secured an arm 92, carryin g an antifriction-roller 93, that takes against the face of a cam 91L, being held in action therewith by means of a suitably-arranged spiral spring 95 on a rod 90 extending from the arm 92. One end of this rod is pivotally connected with the arm 92, while the other end extends through a lug 93 on the main frame, the spring bearin g against said lug and a fixed collar or shoulder on the rod. The cam is fast on a transverse shaft 95, which is mounted in the rear portion of the main frame and is driven by suitable gearing from the main driving-shaft of the machine. The contour of the face of cam 9% is such that during the rotation of its shaft the arm 92 remains at rest until the paper reaches the side or second stops, whereupon the arm is moved inward to turn the shaft slightly and depress the toe 90, in which case the shaft 81 is free to turn within certain limits, and in consequence the adjusting-finger is moved inward by the action of its spring, with the effect stated.

In the rock-shaft 91 is a longitudinal groove or way to which is fitted a key or feather 96, the extremities of which are hooked to engage the hub of the toe and the end of the arm 80", so that said arm and toe may be moved as a unit longitudinally on the shaft. The feather extends into the hub of the toe 90, as at 96, to key the latter to the shaft, being offset, as at 90 so as to escape the arm and permit the turning of the shaft.

By the foregoing-described construction it will be seen that when the screws 41- are operated to set the end stops in respect to the third folding-rollers, as previously explained, the vibratory finger and its operating parts are adjusted simultaneously therewith, and hence irrespective of the adjustment the positions of the finger and the end or first stops in relation to the edge of the sheet are unaffected. It will also be seen that when the side bar is adjusted through the medium of the screw 79, as above described, the finger is moved transversely of the machine simultaneously with the side stops and that therefore the angular positions of the finger and side stops in regard to each other and to the opposed edges of the sheet remain unchanged.

In conjunction with the sheet-adjusting mechanism hereinbefore set out I employ a device which acts upon the sheet immediately before its introduction to the fourth pair of rollers 97 in a manner to effect the accurate disposition of the sheet in respect to the bite of these rollers. This device is illustrated very clearly in Figs. 2, 5, 5, and 6, to which attention is directed.

97 is a suitably-arranged rockshaft supported in the main frame. Fitted to this shaft, adjacent to the forward end of the bar 09, is a collar 98, through a boss on which freely extends a pin 99, that is, in effect, a part of the bar. On the pin is fulcrumed a lever 100, the longer or depending arm of which is provided with a wing 101, which is so located that during the vibration of the lever it (the wing) will impinge against the opposed folded edge of the paper and move the sheet slightly inward to a predetermined position. A torsional spring 102, acting on the central boss of the lever 100, tends to maintain the wing normally outward. The shorter arm of the lever rests'upon a finger 103, secured to the rockshaft 97, so that when the shaft is actuated, as below explained, the finger raises the engaged lever-arm, and thus moves the wing inward. On the longer arm of the lever is also secured a longitudinal guide-bar 104, that lies just above and parallel with the carryingtapes 105 from the third folding-rollers, to the end that the sheet as it passes from said rollers will be carried beneath the bar preparatory to being adjusted by the wing 101. On the outerend of the shaft 97 is fixed a depend ing arm 100, the lower end of which is connected by means of a rod 107 with a rock-arm 108, mountednearto the cam 94:. This cam is provided with a peripheral projection 109, and the rock-arm is provided with an antifrictionroller 110, that is held in contact with the pcriphery of the cam by the action of a suitable spring 1 11,which in this instance encircles and acts upon a rod 112, extending from the arm 100. The peripheral projection on the cam is so disposed as to actuate the rock-arm 108 when the sheet has been carried forward by the tapes 105, to the end that the shaft 97 will be properly actuated to raise the finger thereon, and thus effect the inward movement of the wing 101, as and for the purpose men tioned. Shaft 97 is provided with a longitudinal groove 113 therein, to which is fitted an offset key 114:, provided with teats 115, that embrace the hub of the finger and the collar, similarly to the key 90 on the shaft 91 above described-that is to say, while the key locks the finger to the shaft and permits the turning of the latter in the collar said finger and collar are movable togetherlongitudinally of the shaft. By this construction it will be seen that when the side bar is adjusted transversely of the machine, as before stated, the presser-wing and its immediate connections will be adjusted simultaneously therewith without altering their positions relative to each other and to the side stops on the bar.

The machine herein shown being a thirtytwo-page folder, it is equipped with four pairs of folding-rollers, as above described. Obviousl y, however, it may be readily converted into a sixteen-page folder by providing for the discharge of the sheet from the third pair of rollers instead of from the fourth or final pair. Hence there are provided independent devices for directing the folded sheets to the packing-trough when either kind of folding is beingeifected. Thedevicewhichisbrought into operation during the folding of athirtytwo-page sheet is represented most clearly in Figs. 2, 16, 17, and 18 of the drawings, such device being termed the shoo-fly. Its construction is as follows: 116 designates a horizontal table arranged directly below the fourth pair of folding-rollers. This table comprises a plane quadrantal portion 117, upon which the folded sheets are delivered, a transversely-slotted portion 118, by way of which the sheets are directed to the underlying packing-trough, and an arm 119, which is pivoted on a vertical post or shaft 120 in such a manner that the table, with its appurtenances, may be swung out of operative position, as hereinafter described. Rising from the table, at the center of the quadrantal portion, is a rod 121, the upper end of which is fitted to a recess or slot in a transverse bar 122 of the main frame and is detachably held therein by means of a nut 123, while extending from the outer edge of the slotted portion of the table is a rod or arm 124, that is detachably secured to the main frame by means of a screw 125. On rod 121 is fulcrumed a lever 126, the latter being provided with a sleeve that is fitted to said rod. One arm of the lever comprises a yoke 127, to the limbs of which are secured the adjacent ends, respectively,of two parallel plates 129, the outer ends thereof being connected and rigidly separated by a suitable tie-piece 130. These plates normally lie directly below and parallel with the final foldingrollers, so as to constitute a box or receptacle for the folded sheet discharged from the latter, the construction and arrangement of the parts being such that when the lever 120 is operated, as below ex- ICO plained, the box is swung upon the table in a manner to carry the contained sheet to the slotted portion 118 of the table and permits its passage therethrough to the underlying packing-trough. This being done, the box is returned to the previous position to receive the succeeding sheet and transfer it to the packing-trough in like manner. The lever 126 is actuated to effect the described operation of the transfer-box by the following mechanism: On the shaft 05 is a face-cam 131, against which bears an antifriction-roller 011 an arm 132, the latter being fixed to a vertically-disposed rock-shaft 133 and being held yieldingly in contact with the working face of the cam by the action of a suitable spring 134. In this instance the spring encircles a slide-rod 131, which is supported in the main frame, and is connected by means of a link 13t with a stud on the arm 132. (See Fig. 18.) Secured also to the rock-shaft 133 is an arm 135, the free end of which is connected with an arm 126 of lever 126 by means of a link 136. The contour of the cam is such that during each revolution thereof the arm 132 and, perforce, the connected transfer-box are reciprocated, the speed of the cam-shaft being timed to effect the operation of the box in harmony with the folding mechanism.

As a means to insure the uniform passage of each sheet to and within the transfer-box I mount on the respective sides of the latter freely-revoluble rollers 137, preferably serrated or toothed, which project into the box sufiiciently to permit the paper to pass between them with slight frictional contact. There are in this instance two rollers on each side, said rollers being fixed to a common shaft 138, which has its bearings in diagonal edge slots in a vertical rib or standard 139 on the adjacent side of the box, so that each pair of rollers will revolve as a unit. Hence during the downward passage of the sheet should one edge thereof tend to travel more quickly than the other the same will be prevented by the frictional action on the paper of the contiguous star-wheels.

The slotted portion of the table, by way of which the sheets are discharged from the transfer-box to the packing-trough, is extended somewhat below the body of the table for a purpose hereinafter stated.

The packing-trough, into which the folded sheets are discharged from the transfer-box, embodies various novel and advantageous features of construction which I shall now describe, reference being had more especially to Figs. 2 and 16 to 23, inclusive, of the drawings, as follows: The trough (denoted by 140) extends longitudinally of the machine, being of the usual angular form in cross-section. The rear or receiving end of the trough is provided with a flange or ledge 141, that is fitted to a transverse way in a supportingarm 142, hereinafter described. 011 the outer side of this arm are bearings for a screw-rod 14.3, which is equipped with a hand-wheel 141. On this screw-rod is a nut 115, which is connected with or forms a part of the flange or ledge 111, so that by the act of turning the hand-wheel the nut and the parts connected therewith will be adjusted transversely of the machine, to the end that the trough may be accurately set in relation to the overhanging guide device. The other or forward end of the trough is provided with a roller 146, which rests upon a transverse arm 1-17, lying parallel with the arm 142 and connected therewith by means of a rod 1&3. The inner ends of the arms are provided with vertical guides through which extend vertical rack-bars 110 149, respectively, that are firmly bolted to the main frame. Extending through the arms, adjacent to the respective racks, is a longitudinal shaft 150, on which are fixed pinions 151, the same being mounted in suitable housings or recesses in the arms and being engaged with the teeth of the respective rack-bars,to the end that if the shaft be turned the arms, together with the packing-trough and its appurtenances, will be raised or lowered, as desired, the trough occupying a perfectly horizontal position during the adjustment.

As a means to lock the trough in any position of vertical adjustment I affix to the shaft 150 a ratchet-wheel 152 and pivot to the side of the arm 1-12 a dog 155, that engages the teeth of the wheel in a manner to prevent the voluntary descent of the arms and their adjuncts. During the elevation of the trough the dog rides idly upon the ratchet-teeth; but preparatory to the operation of lowering the trough the dog is thrown out of action.

Fitted to the receiving end of the packingtrough is the longitudinally-reciprocative plunger 151, which takes against and advances the papers as they are successively delivered to the trough. This plunger is connected, by means of an arm 154;, with a longitudinally-disposed bar 155, arranged below the trough and fitted to suitable guide-brackets 159 159 thereon, the end of the trough being slotted, as at 156, to permit the requisite play of the arm. The plunger is detachably connected with this arm, so that one plunger may be readily'removed and another as readily substituted therefor without impairing the adjustment of the parts. In the present instance the connection comprises a depend ing screw-threaded shank 157 on the plunger, fitted to the arm 15% and secured thereto by means of a nut 153.

As a simple and efficient means to maintain the plunger in an upright position I construct the forward guide-bracket for the rod with a lateralarm 159, which extends adja cent to the outer side of the packing-trough, through the boss of which arm slides a guidepin 160, that is secured to a similar arm 161, extending fixedly from the guide-rod. By this construction the guide-rod is held in a direct path, and in consequence lateral displacement of the plunger is prevented. The

rod and the guides therefor being exterior of the packing-trough, there is no liabilityof the lubricating-oils on these parts coming in contact with the sheets.

The guide-rod 155 is connected, by means of a link 162, with a laterallyextending arm 163 on the rock-shaft 133,hereinbefore mentioned, to the end that during the operation of the shaft a longitudinally-reciprocative motion will be imparted to the guide-rod, and consequently to the plunger. By this construction the plunger is retracted during the transference of the sheet to the guide-slot in the table, and while the transfer-box is at rest d uring the discharge of the paper therefrom the plunger is also quiescent.

The rock-shaft 133 extends through a boss on the supporting-arm 142, and the arm 163 is secured to the shaft immediately below said boss by means of a spline 16, which is bolted to the arm 163 and is fitted to a longitudinal groove in the rockshaft. The spline is provided with a narrow extension 165,which extends upwardly within the groove, the free end of the extension being provided with a teat 166, that takes upon the boss on arm 112, to the end that the rock-arm and its connections will be adjusted simultaneously with the supporting-arm and the trough.

The relative arrangement of the parts is such that the acting face of the retracted plunger is in line vertically with the rear face of the guide-slot 118, so as to form a practically continuous guide-surface for the sheet as it enters the trough. This face of the plunger is adjustable vertically in respect to the guide, the adjustment being had by means of a slide 167, fitted thereto. This slide comprises a plate applied to the inner face of the plunger and provided with an outturned flange 168 on its upper end, from which depends a rod 169, that is fitted to a guide 170 in the outer face of the plunger, the wall of the guide being provided with a set-screw 171, which, bearing upon the rod, holds the plate in any predetermined position of vertical adjustment. By this construction and arrangement of the slide a smooth uninterrupted surface, free from screw-heads or countersunk holes, is presented to the sheet. (See Fig. 20.)

Upon the discharge of the sheet from the transfer-box to the packing-trough the plunger, simultaneously with the return of the transfer-box to receive a succeeding sheet, is moved forward to advance the sheet in the packing-trough sufficiently to clear the forward depending side 172 of the guide-slot, which side is beveled for a purpose directly explained. The vertical adjustment of the trough in respect to the guide-slot is such that when the sheet has been delivered to the trough the upper corner of the sheet projects into the guide-slot, to the end that when the plungeradvances the sheet, as just explained, this corner will bear against and be turned over by the opposed side of the slot; but upon its passing said side the corner, springing upward, will be caught thereby, and thus be prevented from bending below the guide-slot in a manner to interfere with the introduction of the next sheet'to the packing-trough. (See Fig. 17.)

The side 172 of the guide-slot is beveled, as above stated, for the purpose of straightening the sheet as it passes from the transferbox to the trough, to the end that the folded sheet will descend perpendicularly into the latter without striking the lateral spring-controlled catches in the trough. These catches are arranged in series in the respective sides of the trough directly beneath the forward side of the guide-slot 118, so as to coact with said side in maintaining the on-pressed sheets beyond the slot. The catches each comprise a finger 173, one end of which is pivoted to a bracket 17% on the exterior of the trough, while the other end extends into the interior of the trough through a slot 175 in the side of the latter. The outer end of the finger is provided with a shoulder 176, upon which bears the free end of a fiat spring 177, that is secured to the bracket. The spring acts to maintain the free end of the catch yieldingly within the trough, so that when the sheet is pressed forward within the trough the impact of the paper upon the finger will move the latter on ward against the stress of the spring, whereupon the finger will spring inward rearward of the sheet. The particular feature of novelty in the catch consists in arranging the pivot of the finger beyond the body thereof,

so that the free end of the finger will be moved forward and outward at the same time within small compass, and thus be prevented from improperly catching the paper.

It will be observed that the walls of the receiving end of the trough are provided with extension-plates 1&0, (equipped with side catches,) which plates are detachably held in place by arms or brackets 178, the ends of which are bolted to'the walls and plates, respectively. By this construction plates of various sizes may be applied to the walls of the trough to adapt the same to the varying requirements of the great range of work.

hen it is desired to use the machine as a sixteen-page folder, the guide device for the fourth folding-rollers to the packing-trough is thrown out of operation, as indicated by the dotted lines in Fig. 16that is to say, the ends of the rods 121 124 are disconnected from the contiguous bars of the main frame, the link 136 is removed, and the whole device is swung bodily outward on the post 120 as an axis. This being done the tapes 105 are removed from the third folding-rollers, the packing-trough is run upward, and an intermediate guide device to direct the sheet from said rollers to the trough is brought into operation. This device comprises two 1101i zontally -disposed plates 179, appropriately separated by end pieces 17 9, which are fitted to guide-rods 180 below the third folding-rollers. These plates are arranged parallel to the rollers in a manner to be moved immediately below the latter or to be retracted therefrom. lhe adjustment is effected by means of a rod 181, which extends from the rearward plate through a guideway in a crossbar of the main frame, there being fitted to the bar a set-screw 182, which may be tightened against the rod to secure the parts in the position of adjustment. One of the plates is narrower than the other to pass under the bar 122, such other plate being extended up nearly to the adjacent roller. Hence the bar 122 and the plates form a continuous guide for the sheet to the packing-trough, the latter and its plunger, as will be understood, being adjusted relatively to the guide similarly to their adjustment in respect to the slotted guide-table previously described. The lower edge of the narrow plate 179 forms the catch for the upper corners of the sheet when they are advanced in the packing-trough, as illustrated in Fig. 2.

I claim 1. The combination with supporting-bars provided with slotted guides therein, of independent slides in said guides, screws depending from the slides through the slots in the respective guides, clamping-nuts on the respective screws, a register-pin support fixedly connectedwith one of said slides, a block adjustably fitted to the other slide, a screw for adjusting said block, and a register-pin support on the block, substantially as described.

2. The combination with supporting-bars provided with slotted guides therein, of independent slides in said guides, screws depending from the slides through the slots in the respective guides, clamping-nuts on the respective screws, a register-pin support fixedly connected with one of said slides, a block adjustably fitted to the other slide, a screw for adjusting said block, a register-pin support adjustably fitted t0 the block, and a screw for adjusting said support, substantially as described.

3. In a folding-machine, the combination with the rollers and the tapes, of a guide-bar laterally adjustable independently of the rollers and tapes, a fixed rod, a split clamp thereon, and a screw extended through said clamp and fitted to the guide-bar, substantially as described.

4. In a folding-machine, the combination with the rollers and the tapes, of a guide-bar laterally adjustable independently of said rollers and tapes, a supporting-bar at right angles to said guidebar, a stop longitudinally adjustable on said supporting-bar, provided with a depending perforated tail through which the guide-bar freely extends, means on said stop for adjustably securing it to the supporting-bar, and means for adj ustably supporting and retaining the opposite end of the guide-bar, substantially as described.

5. In a folding-machine, the combination with the rollers, and the tapes, of a transverse supporting-bar, means for adjusting it longitudinallyof the machine, laterally-adjustable stops on said bar provided with depending perforated tails, means fitted to said stops and acting upon the bar for adjustably securing the stops thereto, laterally-adjustable guidebars extending freely through said perforated tails, and means for adjustably supporting and retaining the opposite ends of the guidebars, substantially as described.

(5. In a folding-machine, the combination with the rollers and the tapes, of a laterallyadjustable guide-bar, two supporting-bars therefor, one being fixed and the other being adjust-able lengthwise of the machine, means for setting the adjustable bar, a split clamp on the fixed bar, a screw extended through said clamp and fitted to the guide-bar, a laterally-adjustable head mounted on the adjustable supporting-bar, and a screw securing said head in its positions of adjustment, substantially as described.

7. In a folding-machine, the combination with the transverse bar and stops thereon, of the nuts on the respective ends of the bar, one of said nuts having an independent connection with the bar, said nut being rotatably fitted to a box on the latter and having means for latching the nut to the box, substantially as described.

8. The combination of the screw-rod, anut thereon, a box to which the nut is rotatably fitted, and means for latching the nut to the box, together with a stop-bar extending from said box, substantially as described.

9. In a folding-machine, the combination with the folding-rollers and the tapes, of a stop-bar, a support to which said bar is pivoted; means for bodily adjusting said bar on its pivot, an oscillatory sheet-adjusting device, means whereby it is connected with said stopbar, and means for actuating said device, substantially as described.

10. In a folding-machine, the combination with the folding-rollers and the tapes, of a stop-bar, a support to which said bar is pivoted, means for bodilyadjusting said bar on its pivot, a longitudinal slide on said bar, the vibratory finger on said slide, means for actuating said finge'r,and means forlongitudinally adjusting the slide,substantiallyas described.

11. In a folding-machine, the combination with the folding-rollers and the tapes, of a stop-bar, an arm to which said bar is pivoted, means for adjusting said bar on its pivot, a rod extending from the arm, a guide-bracket therefor, and an adj Listing-screw mounted on the rod and engaged with the bracket, substantially as described.

12. In afolding-machine, the combination, with the folding-rollers, the tapes, the stops and their supporting parts, of an adjustable support, an oscillatory sheet-adjusting device thereon arranged to act upon the edge of the sheet, means for operating said device at predetermined intervals, irrespective of its adj ustment, and means for bodily adjusting said support in respect to the stops, substantially as described.

13. In a folding-machine, the combination with the folding-rollers, the tapes, the stops and their supporting parts, of a slide, a pivoted finger thereon, means for oscillating the finger, means for longitudinally adjusting the slide, and means for transversely adjusting the same, substantially as described.

14.. In a folding-machine, the combination with the folding-rollers, the tapes, the stops, and their supporting parts, of an oscillatory sheet-adjusting guide arranged to act on the folded edge of the sheet, and means for adj usting the stops and the guide simultaneously, substantially as described.

15. In a folding-machine, the combination with the folding-rollers, the tapes, the lateral stops and the end stops and their respective supporting parts, of a sheet-adjusting guide arranged to act on the folded edge of the sheet, and means for adjusting the lateral stops and the guide simultaneously, substantially as described.

16. In a folding-machine, the combination with the folding-rollers, the tapes, the lateral stops, the end stops, and their respective supporting parts, of a sheet-adjusting guide arranged to act on the folded edge of the sheet, and means for adjusting the end stops and the guide simultaneously, substantially as described.

17. In a folding-machine, the combination with the folding-rollers, the tapes, the lateral stops, the end stops, and the respective supporting parts, of a sheet-adjusting guide arranged to act on the folded edge of the sheet, means for adjusting the lateral stops and the guide simultaneously, and means for adj usting the end stops and the guide simultaneously, substantially as described.

18. In a folding-machine, the combination with the rollers, the tapes, the stops, the adjustable supporting-bar therefor, the traveling nut to which said bar is secured, and a screw for operating said nut, of a support on said nut, an oscillatory sheet-adj usting finger on said support, and means for operating said finger at predetermined intervals, substantially as described.

19. In a folding-machine, the combination with the rollers, the tapes, the stops, the adjustable supporting-bar therefor, the traveling nut to which said bar is secured, and a screw for operating said nut, of arms on said nut, a rock-shaft journaled in the arms, a bracket on said shaft, an oscillatory finger on the bracket, means whereby the finger is actuated when the shaft is turned, a cam, its shaft, a rock-shaft controlled by the cam, and connections between the two rock-shafts substantially as described.

20. In a folding-machine, the combination with the rollers, the tapes, the stops, the adj ustable supporting-bar therefor, and means for adjusting said bar, of a bracket on said bar, an oscillatory sheet adjusting guide thereon, and means for operating said guide at predetermined intervals, substantially as described.

21. In a folding-machine, the combination with the rollers, the tapes, the stops, the adjustable supporting-bar therefor, the traveling nut to which said bar is secured, and a screw for operating said nut, of arms on said nut, a rock-shaft journaled in said arms, a bracket on said shaft, an oscillatory finger on said bracket, means whereby the finger is actuated when the shaft is turned, a cam, its shaft, a rock-shaft controlled by the cam, and connections between the two rock-shafts, together with the lateral stops, the adjustable supporting-bar therefor, with which the said bracket has a sliding connection, and means for adjusting said latter bar, substantially as described.

22. In a folding-machine, the combination with the rollers and the tapes, of a sheet-adjusting device adjacent to one set of foldingrollers, a sheet-adjusting device adjacent to another set of rollers, means for operating said devices at predetermined intervals, a bar connecting said devices, and means for bodily adjusting said bar, substantially as described.

23. In a folding-machine, the combination with the rollers and the tapes, of a sheet-adjusting device adjacent to one set of foldingrollers, a sheet-adjusting device adjacent to another set of rollers, a cam, and operative connections between the same and the re spective adjusting devices, substantially as described.

2%. In a folding-machine, the combination with the rollers and the tapes, of a sheet-adjusting device adjacent to one set of foldingrollers, a sheet-adjusting device adjacent to another set of rollers, means for operating said devices at predetermined intervals, a bar, connecting said devices, and means for independently adjusting one of said devices longitudinally of the bar, substantially as described.

25. In a folding-machine, in combination, a table provided with a slotted sheet-discharge guide, an oscillatory box or receptacle ar ranged to receive the folded sheets and transfer them to said slotted guide, means for operating said box or receptacle, a packingtrough, a plunger therein, and means for operating the plunger, whereby the acting face of the plunger when retracted is in line vertically with the face of the slotted guide so as to form therewith a practically continuous guide-surface for the sheet as it enters the trough, substantially as described.

26. In a folding-machine, in combination,

a table provided with a slotted sheet-discharge guide extended below the body of the table, an underlying packing-trough, a plun ger therein, and means for operating the plunger, said trough and guide-slot being so located that when the sheet has been delivered to the trough, the upper corner of the sheet projects into the guide-slot, so that the extension of the latter performs the function of a back-stop upon the advancement of the sheet, substantially as described.

27. In a folding-machine, a table provided with a slotted sheet-discharge guide, one side of which is beveled as described, a transferbox, and means for operating it, in combination with an underlying packing-trough, the catches therein, the plunger, and means for operating said plunger, substantially as described.

28. In a folding-machine, in combination, a table provided with a slotted sheet discharge guide, an oscillatory box or receptacle arranged to receive the folded sheets and transfer them to said slotted guide, means for operating said box or receptacle, freely-rotatable shafts in the respective sides of said box or receptacle, and coacting star-wheels fixed on said shafts, substantially as described.

29. In a folding-machine, the combination of the vertical racks, the arms thereon, the pinions in said arms gearing with the respective racks, means for rotating said pinions, means for locking the same, the packingtrough supported at its ends on said arms so as to be transversely movable thereon, a horizontal set-screw on one of said arms, and a connection between said screw and the adand means for vertically adjusting said arms, I

of a rock-shaft extending through one of said arms, a rocking arm fitted to the shaft, the spline operatively connecting said latter arm with one of the supporting-arms, and operative connections between said rocking arm and the plunger, substantially as described.

31. In a folding-machine, the combination, with a packing-trough, vertical guides therefor, and means for vertically adjusting said trough, of a plunger in the trough, a rockshaft, operative connections between said shaft and the plunger, and means for adjusting said connections simultaneously with the trough, substantially as described.

32. The combination, with the folding-rollers, of a guide device to direct the folded sheets therefrom, said device comprising two separated plates arranged parallel to the rollers, horizontal guides for said plates, and an adjusting device, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my signature in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

HOYVARD K. KING.

Vitnesses:

ANDREW N. GRoUPE, JOHN F. NOLAN. 

